The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

WITH just 10 games remaining in the regular season and the Miami Marlins out of the 2021 MLB playoff picture, Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm Jr is looking ahead to the future of the franchise and the young players at its foundation.

Chisholm and fellow NL Rookie of the year candidate Trevor Rogers have been starters for the duration of the season but the franchise has also relied heavily on young players like Lewin Diaz, Jesus Sanchez, Bryan De La Cruz and others.

“Now we’re seeing what we’re about to go into next year,” Chisholm said after Monday night’s 8-7 come from behind win over the Washington Nationals in extra innings. “We have all these rookies on our team - I think it’s like 17 - including staff maybe 19, 20. We go out every day, play our hardest and we’re showing each other what we have in store for next year.”

The Marlins begin a seven-game road trip tonight with a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Florida (September 24-26). They follow with a four game series against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York (September 28-30) and conclude the season at home with a three game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at loanDepot Park in Miami (October 1-3).

“Just end the year on a winning note,” Chisholm told the Miami Herald. “Come back next year and build off of that and not just keep on losing.”

In 114 games this season, Chisholm is hitting .254 with a .734 OPS, slugging .430 with 106 hits, 183 total bases, 67 runs scored, 18 doubles, four triples, 17 home runs, 49 RBI and a team leading 22 stolen bases. Despite missing 34 games with various ailments, including a hamstring strain, ankle strain, shoulder contusion and time on the COVID-19 reserve list, Chisholm is just three home runs away from the vaunted milestone of 20 stolen bases and 20 home runs in his rookie season.

Chisholm, who was called up late in 2020s COVID-19 shortened season, was an opening day starter this season and quickly became a fan favourite for his production and exuberant personality both on and off the field.

“I never imagined that that’s what it would be with people saying ‘Oh my God, that’s Jazz Chisholm. That’s Jazz. I want to see Jazz.’ All that stuff, it’s amazing,” he said.

​​“I feel a lot more comfortable now...I feel like I’m back at me. I feel very comfortable in the box against everybody that goes on the mound. I feel I’m taking really good swings. My swing feels great. I feel everything is clicking for me right now.”